Santa Barbara Boat Charters — Private Whale Watching, Fishing & Island Cruises

Custom charters and guided marine adventures along the American Riviera — perfect for families, anglers, and adventurers.

Signature Trips

From foiling to full-day island cruises, choose a curated experience or build a custom itinerary.

Santa Barbara

Mastering Foiling in Santa Barbara: Surf the Wake in Style

Discover the thrill of foiling in Santa Barbara’s calm coastal waters. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided experience teaches you to surf the boat’s wake with expert instruction and stunning ocean views.

Mastering Foiling in Santa Barbara: Surf the Wake in Style

water activities

boat charters

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara

Master the Art of Spearfishing in Santa Barbara’s Coastal Waters

Dive into an eight-hour spearfishing adventure off Santa Barbara’s coast, targeting Sea Bass, Yellowtail, and Tuna with expert guides and high-end gear. Discover what makes Santa Barbara’s underwater world a premier destination for spear hunters seeking challenge and coastal beauty.

Master the Art of Spearfishing in Santa Barbara’s Coastal Waters

Santa Barbara

Explore Santa Barbara’s Spectacular Whale Watching Tours Along the Pacific Coast

Join an intimate whale watching tour off the Santa Barbara coast, where encounters with gray, blue, and humpback whales await. Discover why this small-group adventure is a must for marine wildlife lovers visiting California.

Santa Barbara

Explore Santa Cruz Island: Private Full-Day Island Cruise from Santa Barbara

Discover the rugged coastlines and abundant wildlife of Santa Cruz Island on a private full-day cruise from Santa Barbara. Customize your adventure with snorkeling, whale watching, and secluded beach stops on California’s largest Channel Island.

Santa Barbara

Customize Your Santa Barbara Boat Charter: Create Your Own Adventure on the Channel

Craft your perfect day on the water with a personalized boat charter from Santa Barbara’s marina. Explore marine life, coastal views, and the Pacific’s wonders on your own terms.

Customize Your Santa Barbara Boat Charter: Create Your Own Adventure on the Channel

Santa Barbara

Explore Santa Barbara’s Stunning Coastline on a Private Sunset Cruise

Discover Santa Barbara’s coastline from a new perspective on a private, small-group sunset cruise. Experience panoramic ocean views, unique coastal geology, and breathtaking sunsets away from the crowds.

Explore Santa Barbara’s Stunning Coastline on a Private Sunset Cruise

Santa Barbara

Experience Private Sport Fishing Adventures in Santa Barbara’s Rich Coastal Waters

Discover a private sport fishing adventure in Santa Barbara’s bountiful coastal waters, where personalized excursions offer abundant fish, stunning views, and minimal transit time. Ideal for anglers seeking an intimate ocean experience near the Channel Islands.

About Santa Barbara Boat Charters

Santa Barbara Boat Charters is a private charter operator based in Santa Barbara, California, specializing in customized marine experiences along the American Riviera. The company offers a broad menu of trips, including whale watching, sport fishing, spearfishing, foiling, coastal cruises, sunset tours, full-day island cruises to Santa Cruz Island, and fully customizable Create Your Own Adventure itineraries.

Each trip pairs experienced captains and trained crew with well-equipped vessels, safety-focused procedures, and local knowledge of the Channel Islands and coastal ecosystems. For anglers, Santa Barbara Boat Charters provides targeted sport fishing and spearfishing outings to productive grounds from Carpinteria to Point Conception and the northern Channel Islands, minimizing transit time with roughly one hour to prime fishing areas. The spearfishing program highlights sixteen years of expertise and advanced technology to locate Sea Bass, Yellowtail, and Tuna.

Adventure experiences such as foiling and wake-assisted foiling sessions include expert guidance for beginners and experienced riders, with attention to stability, technique, and safety. Private island cruises to Santa Cruz Island feature snorkeling, cave exploration, fishing, and beach time in secluded coves. Coastal cruises and sunset tours showcase panoramic views from Carpinteria to Hollister Ranch. Santa Barbara Boat Charters emphasizes transparent pricing, licensed captains, and safety equipment onboard every vessel. The operator caters to couples, families, anglers, and groups seeking professionally guided marine adventures, combining local expertise with personalized service to create memorable days on the water with strict standards.

Discover Santa Barbara Boat Charters — Private Charters on the American Riviera

Santa Barbara Boat Charters delivers private, guided experiences along the scenic Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands. Popular options include whale watching, sport fishing, spearfishing, foiling, coastal cruises, sunset tours, and full-day Santa Cruz Island excursions. These private charters are optimized for comfort, safety, and maximum time on the water.

Why book a private charter?

Personalized itineraries: Tailor trips for families, anglers, couples, or groups.
Local expertise: Captains know seasonal patterns for whales, tuna, yellowtail, and sea bass.
Fast access to fishing grounds: Minimal transit—about one hour to top spots near the northern Channel Islands.

Featured trips and keywords to know

Whale Watching Santa Barbara: Scenic coastal routes focusing on responsible wildlife viewing and frequent sightings during migration seasons. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Sport Fishing & Santa Barbara Fishing Charters: Target species like yellowtail, tuna, and sea bass with experienced captains and modern tackle. Short runs mean more fishing time.
Spearfishing Adventures: Leveraging 16 years of expertise and advanced gear, these trips visit prime underwater locations for active divers seeking Sea Bass and Yellowtail.
Foiling & Wake Foiling: Learn foiling techniques behind the boat with expert instruction—perfect for beginners and experienced riders wanting an adrenaline boost.
Full Day Island Cruise — Santa Cruz Island: Private eight-hour charters explore sea caves, snorkeling spots, and remote beaches at the Channel Islands National Park.
Coastal Cruise & Sunset Tour: Private coastal and sunset cruises from Carpinteria to Hollister Ranch showcase panoramic views of the American Riviera.
Create Your Own Adventure: Tailored charters let guests combine snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and beach time into a single private itinerary.

What to expect on board

Licensed captains and trained crew focused on safety and guest experience.
Well-equipped vessels with life jackets, navigation, and communication systems.
Clear guidance and gear options for fishing, spearfishing, snorkeling, and foiling activities.

Booking, logistics, and tips

Book early for holiday weekends and whale migration seasons.
Private departures typically originate near Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, with flexible pickup options.
Bring sun protection, layers, motion-sickness remedies if needed, and a valid ID for island access.

Safety and stewardship

Santa Barbara Boat Charters emphasizes safety equipment, licensed operators, and responsible wildlife viewing. Trips follow local regulations for fishing and protected areas in the Channel Islands.

Whether searching for the best whale watching near Santa Barbara, planning a sport fishing expedition, or booking a private island cruise to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Barbara Boat Charters offers a full range of private marine experiences tailored to guest goals. Book a private charter to maximize time on the water, enjoy local expertise, and create memorable coastal adventures.

Reserve a Private Charter Today

Select a trip, pick a date, and secure a personalized marine adventure with experienced captains.